Cranes have been surrounding the Magic Kingdom icon, and workers have even been spotted during the day, giving the castle a new paint job. Notable to passers-by are turret tops that now appear to be a shiny, gray hue.

Fear not, Disney officials say. That's merely a primer coat. Eventually, all will be back to their blue color, except for the uppermost golden one. The repainting is expected to be complete by mid-April, a Disney spokeswoman said Wednesday.

That area of the theme park has been undergoing change and that will continue. Cranes loomed over the Fantasyland expansion, particularly the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster construction, before the castle paint job began.

Work has begun on the hub area at the base of the castle, facing Main Street. The end result will be additional pathways, sculptured gardens and a special viewing area for fireworks. The project is expected to be completed next year.